Victor Osimhen set to begin pre-season with Napoli
Victor Osimhen is expected to start pre-season training with Napoli next week, despite a lack of concrete offers for the Nigerian international.
Osimhen, who has been linked with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, remains in limbo as Napoli’s new coach, Antonio Conte, has admitted that the striker is not in his plans for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Osimhen is scheduled to meet Conte in Castel Volturno next week ahead of the 2024/25 season per football Italia.
The striker’s contract with Napoli includes a €130 million release clause, which has deterred potential suitors, especially from the English Premier League.
To attract more interest, Napoli has reduced the asking price to €100 million. Manchester United is reportedly preparing a cash-plus-player swap deal involving Danish striker Rasmus Højlund to secure Osimhen’s services.
Arsenal is also rumored to be making a second approach for the 25-year-old following the price reduction.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have changed their transfer targets after the appointment of the Italian Enzo Maresca but the Blues have not ruled out a bid for the Nigerian forward.
Osimhen, who has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, is also being monitored by PSG as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who recently transferred to Real Madrid. However, the Ligue 1 giants seem to be more interested in Osimhen’s teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and have already initiated talks with the Georgian winger’s agent, causing some friction with Napoli.
